MAYOR of Portmore George Lee has called on residents of the municipality to play a bigger role in the developing and safeguarding their respective communities.

The mayor said that as the nation faces more social and economic challenges, local communities are likely to be affected by crime and other social ills, but made it clear that residents must "stand up and play their part to help relevant authorities address the problems plaguing them'.

"As citizens, you have a responsibility to protect your communities," the mayor said.

He was speaking at the Heroes' Day Civic Ceremony and Awards at the Portmore Pines Plaza on Monday.

Said Lee: "It can't be that crime is left up to the police alone; citizens have a role to play also," the mayor said.

Lee also said that after nine years he was disappointed that the structures were still not put in place to allow for greater autonomy and financial viability for Portmore. Greater effort, he said, would be made to ensure that this becomes a reality.

During the civic ceremony, 10 Portmore residents, including former West Indies cricketer Wavell Hinds, were presented with awards for their contribution toward the development of Portmore.

The mayor announced that plans were being made for a series of events to mark the municipality's 10th anniversary next year.